NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q5084
May 27, 2008
EMPHASIS: Patrol Reports On Ten Mile Trooper Operation

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces a special enforcement project took place over the Memorial Day weekend 2008. In an effort to promote safety and reduce traffic crashes on Interstates 44, 70, 29, and 55, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers patrolled these interstate highways at 10-mile intervals on May 23, 2008, from 12 p.m. to midnight, and on May 26, 2008, from 12 p.m. to midnight. Troopers were assigned to interstate highways to maximize our visibility in the highest volume traffic areas. These troopers targeted all traffic violations, and were especially vigilant addressing aggressive driving violations.

Officers assigned to this enforcement effort patrolled a 10-mile length of interstate assigned to them, and made every effort to be a visible enforcement presence during their assigned shift.

During the Ten Mile Trooper Operation, troopers made a total of 1,864 arrests, and issued 2,401 warnings.

Arrests include:

19 DWI
881 Speeding
47 Following Too Close
28 Failed To Yield
3 Signal Light Violations
47 Other Hazardous Moving Violations
25 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Violations
245 Non-Moving Violations
79 No Driver’s License/Driver’s License Suspended/Revoked
265 Seat Belt Violations
22 Child Restraint Violations
60 Uninsured Motorists
128 Misdemeanor Criminal
15 Felony

During the Ten Mile Trooper Operation, only three injury traffic crashes occurred on the nearly 850 miles of interstate being patrolled. There were no recorded fatal traffic crashes during this special enforcement operation.

“Ten traffic fatalities occurred during Memorial Day weekend,” said Colonel Keathley. “Ten is too many. But, it is important to note within the special enforcement area of the Ten Mile Trooper Operation, there were zero fatalities. The Missouri State Highway Patrol continuously looks for innovative ways to compliment proven methods of enforcement. We remain committed to further reducing the number of traffic crashes in Missouri.”

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